In reality, a shadow figure that assisted Michigan in acquiring their future quarterback was a renowned quarterback from the Wolverines’ history.
The Wolverines recruited none other than NFL icon and former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady in the latter months of their intense, months-long pursuit of No. 1 class of 2025 target Bryce Underwood.
According to insiders, Brady and Underwood’s friendship started with a FaceTime chat a few weeks ago and developed across several talks.
Brady, who defeated Alabama in the Orange Bowl to end his Michigan career in 1999, stressed that he would be a resource for Underwood going forward. According to sources, Underwood switched his pledge from LSU to Michigan on Thursday night as a result of this mentorship, which struck a chord with the five-star Michigan native.
Brady faced difficulties during his tenure at Michigan. Buried on the depth chart, the Californian landed in Ann Arbor. Brady was a backup for two years before becoming a starter in 1998 and 1999. In 1999, he platooned with Drew Henson. After being selected in the sixth round by the New England Patriots, Brady went on to have the greatest quarterback career in NFL history, winning seven Super Bowls. After the 2022 NFL season, Brady announced his retirement. He currently calls games for FOX. In addition, he owns a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.
As recently as one week ago, Michigan questioned whether it could turn around Underwood, who had been committed to LSU since January, even with Brady’s help. The Wolverines thought at the time that the 2025 class’s top quarterback would probably remain with the Tigers.
However, following a crucial family conversation last weekend, things started to change. Underwood and his family discussed the advantages and disadvantages of Michigan and LSU during that discussion. Despite its 5-5 record, Michigan seemed more attractive than LSU, which has dropped to 6-4 after three straight defeats. For a school only thirty minutes from his Belleville, Michigan, home, the prospect of being a hometown hero also carried a lot of weight.
When Underwood traveled covertly to Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday earlier this week, everything came together. He participated in on meetings, observed head coach Sherrone Moore at practice, and learned more about the program. By Wednesday, Underwood had discreetly told Moore that he was going to commit. Even his high school coach was taken aback when Underwood announced his choice to the world a day later.
Underwood’s commitment was secured in large part by Moore and Michigan general manager Sean Magee. But Brady’s participation gave his alma institution a huge boost—his most recent contribution.
